Academic Spotlights

Alayna Schulte awarded Outstanding Graduate in the Parks & Recreation program at the School of Natural Resources

Congratulations to Alayna Schulte for being awarded the Outstanding Graduate in the Parks & Recreation program at the School of Natural Resources. Alayna would like to share her future plans: "After graduation, I will be working at Holland State Park for the summer, where I will assist with grounds maintenance and complete an internship. Following the summer, I plan to seek a position at a park or outdoor center, wherever my heart takes me!"

Ashley Stille Named Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student Award Recipient

Congratulations to Ashley Stille for being awarded the Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student of the Year! Ashley shared, "I chose to be a teacher because of the connections I can make with my students. I love learning about their interests and understanding the different ways each of them learns. LSSU was the perfect choice for my education because I appreciate the small classes, which allow me to truly get to know my professors outside of the classroom. I've gained valuable classroom experience through apprenticeships and have received full support from my professors along the way. I'm excited to continue my education here at LSSU and to work closely with my professors as I finish my bachelor's degree in Teacher Education."

Abbigail Schrader Named Fisheries & Wildlife Outstanding Student Award Recipient

Congratulations to Abbigail Schrader for receiving this year's Fisheries & Wildlife Outstanding Student Award! In her own words, here’s how Abbi will spend her summer: "I will be working for the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) as a seasonal Fish Hatchery Technician in Sitka, AK. I will be located at the Medvejie Hatchery, one of the largest chinook salmon hatcheries in the state. There, I will help spawn adult salmon, assist with egg incubation, and raise juvenile fish. I look forward to learning more about Pacific salmon aquaculture and exploring Baranof Island!”

Sam Rimatzki Named Outstanding Graduate in Conservation Biology 

Congratulations to Sam Rimatzki '25 for being named the Outstanding Graduate of the Conservation Biology program at the School of Natural Resources. Sam shared his plans following graduation: "I will be working on the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program, collecting data on birds, frogs, fish, and more across northern Michigan. During this time, I will also present my capstone research at a conference in Ohio and look for and apply to master's programs. Above all, I wanted to enjoy another summer in the Upper Peninsula, continuing to hike, backpack, and explore this amazing region!"

LSSU Biology Seniors Accepted into Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine

Recently graduated LSSU seniors Kaylin Burton '25 (left) and Laura Yukich '25 (right), both biology majors, were accepted into MSU's College of Human Medicine earlier this year. MSU's program, like admission to medical schools across the nation, is highly competitive, and earning a spot is no easy feat. These young women put forth their best during their time at LSSU and have now secured the next step toward their futures. Congratulations Kaylin and Laura!

Eaddy '25 to Study Marine Biology

Ellie Eaddy '25, a recent LSSU graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus in Animal Biology. Following her undergraduate studies, she was accepted into the Marine Biology graduate program at the University of Miami. We wish Ellie the best in her future endeavors!

Adair '25 Admitted to Masters Oral Health Program

Alexus Adair '25, a recent graduate of LSSU, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Pre-Medical concentration. She was accepted into the University of Michigan's Master of Science in Oral Health program, marking the next step in her academic and professional journey. Congratulations Alexus!

LSSU Fisheries & Wildlife Students Participate in MDNR Bear Checks

Fisheries & Wildlife students at LSSU recently had the exciting opportunity to work with the Michigan DNR as they carried out bear checks. Students got hands-on experience with the bears, as well as the procedures and routines used by the DNR for the checks.

Lake Superior State University Investment Club Wins Award at Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education Forum

The Lake Superior State University Investment Club has earned national recognition after taking home the prestigious award for Best Value Portfolio at the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum, held April 3–5 in New York City. The award highlights the club’s exceptional performance in managing a student-run investment portfolio that demonstrated superior growth over the past year.

The Quinnipiac G.A.M.E. Forum is one of the largest student-run financial conferences in the world, drawing over 1,500 students from more than 150 colleges and universities across the globe. It provides a platform for the next generation of financial professionals to engage with industry leaders and showcase their investment acumen.

The Lake Superior State University Investment Club’s growth portfolio outperformed over a hundred other student managed portfolios, reflecting a disciplined strategy, in-depth market research, and collaborative teamwork. The club’s portfolio strategy focused on high-growth sectors including technology, healthcare innovation, and sustainable energy, investing in companies with strong fundamentals and long-term potential.

Club President Skylar Williams added, “Winning at Quinnipiac is an incredible honor. Our team spent countless hours researching and analyzing market trends, and making tough decisions. Each member of the club added an unmeasurable amount of importance when it came to managing the fund throughout an entire year. This recognition motivates us to continue learning and pushing the boundaries of student-led investing.”  Other members of the team include George Baumann, Gleb Baumann, Maddisen Hoornstra, Matthew Lumsden, Emily Pruitt, and Nicholas Sprague.

 “LSSU is incredibly proud of what our students have achieved,” said Robert Boston, faculty advisor for the club and professor of finance at Lake Superior State. “Skylar and his team not only demonstrated excellent investment knowledge but demonstrated incredible people and project management skills to drive the performance of the club to this level of success. This award validates the rigor and passion our students brought to the club, and it’s a testament to their hard work, collaboration, and analytical skills.”